Timeless: A traditional Amerindian home dwarfed by a nearby mountain at Arau in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). Arau village, located at the base of the mountain, called Pagrampa by locals, is close to the Venezuelan border and is populated by members of the Akawaio and Arecuna nations. According to local legend, the mountain received its name meaning hernia following a war between the Akawaios and its then enemies, the Arecunas. The legend goes that a “bush spirit”, the Bush Dai-Dai, had married an Akawaio maiden from the village and lived with her atop the mountain. During that time, the enemies of the Akawaios attacked them and the Bush Dai-Dai was called upon for help. He cast a spell, causing the warriors of the other tribe to suffer hernias and thus they were unable to fight. The Akawaios were saved and the Bush Dai-Dai retreated back to the top of the mountain and it earned its name. Viewed from the air it is one of the most striking features in the mountainous area. (Gaulbert Sutherland photo) (July 7,2008)
